Current:Home > Contact-usFormer soldier sentenced to life in prison for killing Alabama police officer-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
Former soldier sentenced to life in prison for killing Alabama police officer
View Date:2024-12-23 21:06:44
OPELIKA, Ala. (AP) — A former soldier has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for killing an Auburn police officer who came to his door to investigate a domestic disturbance.
Jurors returned the life sentence Thursday for Grady Wayne Wilkes after finding him guilty of capital murder of a police officer earlier this week. He was also convicted of the attempted murder of two other officers.
Prosecutors said Wilkes answered his door in 2019 wearing a military helmet and body armor and began firing at police who were responding to a domestic disturbance call. In court, Wilkes apologized for killing Officer William Buechner.
“I’m so sorry,” Wilkes told the court and Buechner’s family during sentencing, the Opelika-Auburn News reported. “I can’t put it into words. I can never make it up to you. I can never get him back. I’m so sorry.
WRBL reported that during the trial the courtroom listened to Buechner’s last words, which were captured on his body camera after he was shot. “Lord, please help me,” he said.
Prosecutors had sought the death penalty.
“He intended to kill every single living soul that was on that porch,” Lee County District Attorney Jessica Ventiere told jurors.
Defense lawyers argued that Wilkes is mentally ill and did not intend to kill the officer, news outlets reported.
Wilkes had been a member of the Alabama National Guard since 2010 and was the leader of an infantry combat unit at the time of the shooting, a Guard spokesman told The Associated Press in 2019.
veryGood! (429)
Related
- Saks Fifth Avenue’s holiday light display in Manhattan changing up this season
- Jessica Alba Shares Sweet Selfie With Husband Cash Warren on Their 15th Anniversary
- Flood Risks from All Sides: Barry’s Triple Whammy in Louisiana
- For the first time in 15 years, liberals win control of the Wisconsin Supreme Court
- Biden, Harris participate in Veterans Day ceremony | The Excerpt
- Trump Weakens Endangered Species Protections, Making It Harder to Consider Effects of Climate Change
- This Week in Clean Economy: Cost of Going Solar Is Dropping Fast, State Study Finds
- The dream of wiping out polio might need a rethink
- Kathy Bates likes 'not having breasts' after her cancer battle: 'They were like 10 pounds'
- IPCC Report Shows Food System Overhaul Needed to Save the Climate
Ranking
- Powerball winning numbers for Nov. 9 drawing: Jackpot rises to $92 million
- Ulta 24-Hour Flash Deal: Save 50% On a Bed Head Hair Waver That Creates Waves That Last for Days
- You're less likely to get long COVID after a second infection than a first
- Global Warming Is Pushing Pacific Salmon to the Brink, Federal Scientists Warn
- Who will save Florida athletics? Gators need fixing, and it doesn't stop at Billy Napier
- For the first time in 15 years, liberals win control of the Wisconsin Supreme Court
- West Virginia's COVID vaccine lottery under scrutiny over cost of prizes, tax issues
- Tiffany Haddish opens up about 2021 breakup with Common: It 'wasn't mutual'
Recommendation
-
Should Georgia bench Carson Beck with CFP at stake against Tennessee? That's not happening
-
Kim Kardashian Admits She Cries Herself to Sleep Amid Challenging Parenting Journey
-
Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes Run Half Marathon Together After Being Replaced on GMA3
-
‘A Death Spiral for Research’: Arctic Scientists Worried as Alaska Universities Face 40% Funding Cut
-
New Mexico secretary of state says she’s experiencing harassment after the election
-
Jennifer Lawrence Showcases a Red Hot Look at 2023 Cannes Film Festival
-
10 Cooling Must-Haves You Need if It’s Too Hot for You To Fall Asleep
-
'Therapy speak' is everywhere, but it may make us less empathetic